The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Zachary's naive yet blunt words pierced my heart like a needle.

In his moment of illness and vulnerability, he was still thinking of the woman who had caused him to become sick.

I looked down at him.

He was clearly exhausted after his stomachache, as he had fallen asleep again after saying that.

Steven must have heard Zachary's words, too. He took my hand. "Honey."

I felt no inclination to respond. I instinctively wanted to pull away.

However, Steven tightened his grip, not allowing me to withdraw. "Today was just an accident. Mom acted without consulting us, and Zachary was sick. He didn't mean what he said."

"I can understand him," I replied, holding Zachary as I started to walk toward the exit. "He likes Jessica now. Of course, he's going to think she's wonderful."

After a pause, I continued, "Since I banned him from contacting her, his resistance will be strong at first. But Zachary isn't a bad kid. I'll guide him back to understanding who truly cares for him. "But I hope you can keep your word. I can overlook today's incident as a mistake, but I don't want there to be a next time."

As I spoke, I stopped.

Fearing I would tire myself, Steven took Zachary from my arms. "I promise that I'll do better, honey."

I looked at the sleeping child in Steven's arms and fell silent.

...

Steven parked the car when we arrived home. Seeing Zachary peacefully asleep, I didn't want to wake him up.

Just as I was about to carry him inside, Steven was already standing by the passenger door. His voice was soft as he said, "I'll do it."

Then, he effortlessly lifted Zachary with one hand while extending the other toward me.

I

glow over his tall frame and handsome features, making

before taking his hand and stepping out

Steven gently placed Zachary in his

to his room. Steven helped by removing Zachary's clothes and

He didn't wake up even as I finished drying him off and dressed him in his pajamas. He would grunt occasionally, expressing his discomfort,

indulgently. He tossed the towel into the basin and left the room with the basin

the edge of

me had worsened recently. Whenever we spoke, he grew impatient and lashed out before I could even respond calmly. The only times we seemed to coexist peacefully were when he was asleep.

around his neck and stared

bedroom door. "Do you remember what we

happened before going to the

But then, I thought about how Jessica was already causing trouble for Zachary even before Steven and I had divorced.

couldn't let our family fall apart

night, my mind raced with these thoughts. I struggled to remember what had happened before going

bedroom door. He cradled my face and brushed

carried a tone of intimacy that heightened the night's

was playful

but I wasn't about to let him win.

eyes, my reflection

cheeks, flushed from our kiss, glowed with a vibrant charm. Steven swallowed hard. "Then, I guess I'll just

...

by exhaustion that

just been admitted to the hospital due to stomach issues.

myself to rise early

soothe his stomach, so I specifically used a pot to make the oatmeal softer and more mushy. I started by boiling water on high heat, then switched to low

I quickly cleaned and chopped everything. I only started cooking when it was around Zachary's

sautéed vegetables, and the

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